Friday 26 August 2016

Triathlon

As you know, I have (in a fit of mental instability) agreed to get fit and swim/cycle/run a triathlon. And for the past three and a half months I have been training for it. I have climbed mountains to get my lung capacity to expand. I bought a good bike so I could cycle. I got myself some running shoes so I could even try and run (not there yet, will need some severe training for that). 

I have had to deal with headaches caused by locked shoulders/neck due to my cycle training and in a lesser degree my swim training. I have had to deal with an ear infection which took me out of the whole training thing for two weeks. I have had to deal with a late two-day throw-up party, which made me loose weight, but also lost me some valuable training time. But all in all, I have been doing fine. I think. 

And now the triathlon is almost upon me. In two days I will make my way to the start line and make sure I don't stand in the front on the right before making my way into the water for 750 meters swimming (15 laps in an Olympic size swimming pool). After the swimming I will have to get my wet suit off and get on a bike. With jelly legs most likely. I will then continue to cycle 20 kilometers or nearly 12,5 miles. And when that is done, I will don my running shoes and with even more jelly-like legs proceed to walk/run 5 kilometers (just over 3 miles). If last Sunday is anything to go by, I will cross that finish line feeling like a jelly fish, but I WILL CROSS THAT FINISH LINE!!

On my Tri-Mara blog I have put a goal. Or actually three goals. Goal number one is to finish the thing. Goal number two is to do it in under three hours. And goal number three is to have fun. Do jelly fish have fun??

Anyway, here's my challenge to you. And no, it does not involve swimming, cycling or running for you. It is however a contest. What do you have to do you ask? Well, guess what my finishing time will be! The closest to my actual finishing time will win one of my (yet to be made) desk-top calendars. Now, to give you some help along the way:

Swimming: since Gizmo is afraid of going under water, I have not got an exact time for that, but I think I can do it in under thirty minutes.
Cycling: on a harder course (but without jelly legs), my best time is 1 hour, 12 minutes and a bit. 
Running: on a harder course (and with jelly legs), my best time is 51 minutes and 29 seconds. 
Changing: I had figured on changing my outfit between each sport, but apparently there is no place to do so, so if I don't want to give the spectators a trauma, I won't be doing that. I will wear my cycle gear throughout, also underneath my wet suit, which will take most time to get off. 

So. What do you think? What will my time be? As I said: the person closest to the actual time will win a desk-top calendar (Over Mara's shoulder). Good luck...

23 comments:

  1. Well the best of luck Mara. Thinking about how long it takes me to remove a wet suit I would guess at 3 hrs 8 min and 30sec.

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  2. I'm a bit confused about the outfit. Surely you are not going to be cycling and running in your wet suit. So are you wearing your cycle gear under your wet suit for the swim leg?? Won't it be all wet? Getting that off is going to be quite the feat. I reckon that'll be the hardest part of the whole thing. Now as for time: .... my guess ..... if you are running and cycling in the wet suit ... 3hours 28 minutes. If you remove the wet suit .... 2hours 51 minutes. Go Mara Go ..... I'm so excited for you!! You'll hear me cheering from Australia!!!! Have fun ..... can't wait to hear all about it. I'll never forget my first fun run. Sydney's city to surf .... I can't remember my time but I do know how hard it was. I did, however enjoy every minute and I continued running until my age restricted me from continuing. I also remember the BLISTERS!! I didn't feel them whilst running but when I took my shoes off ..... oh my!! AND when I sat down for a while after the race I thought I'd never be able to get back up. I kept running though and bettered my time each year for quite a few years. Enjoy the day!! I know you will.

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    1. Oh that was me, Lynn. Not Charlie!! He would have done it easily and he wouldn't have got blisters.

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    2. Yes, I can just about see Charlie on a bike...

      I will be wearing my wet suit during the swimming, take it off and continue with wet cycle pants and sports bra and dry cycle shirt. For the running I will be using the same cycle pants (should be dry by then, I hope), but I might change my shirt.

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  3. Hari OM
    Hmmmmm I was thinking close to Fun60s figure... but I'd like to think sheer determination will help you achieve your own goal, so I am going to opt for 2hrs 59m 59secs!

    All the very best dear blogpal - I admire the wetsuit off you for getting into this!!! Wish we could see it live... MAAARa MAAAARa MAAAAAAAra.......YAM xx

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    1. I will try and get a friend to make a little video. She can do that (or knows somebody who does).

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  4. 9 minutes. 3 for each phase.
    See how much confidence I have in you.
    OK. How about 2:57?

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  5. 2 uur en 47 minuten. Maar....met een natte broek fietsen en/of lopen, dat gaat niet lekker worden, gok ik. Succes!

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    1. Niet alleen een natte broek, maar een natte broek met kussentjes erin! Maar het moet maar en het schijnt oké weer te worden.

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  6. Mara...I'm impressed! I'll bet you'll do it in 2:51. Have fun!

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  7. Wow, Ed commented on your blog? He barely comments on mine! :) I'm sure you will finish in less then 3 hours. I think it will take you 2 hours and 42 minutes. Have a great time!

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    1. When you do triathlon, I'll comment on your blog!

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  8. We are going to guess 2 hours, 51 minutes and 47 seconds. We think the excitement of the event will give you a better time than you expect as long as you don't let your head get in the way! And remember, when you start running, just because the initial 1k feels bad don't think the whole thing will. Our mom disagrees with your 3 goals. She said it should be: #1, start the race (that means you survived the training and are looking forward to completing the goal). #2 Have fun. #3 Finish the race in ANY time. Remember, at the end you beat out every other person who never showed up!! We are cheering you!! Happy National Dog Day!!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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    1. I agree that the excitement might make me faster, although probably not so much on the running part. I am not a jogger and have only tried a few times. I will give it my best though.

      As for the goals: Start the race. Have fun. Finish the race. I think I can manage that!!

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  9. Haven't a clue what time to guess. Not sure what effect the bike pads will have on you swimming. I did have a vision of your back end floating above the water.... What the heck I'll guess 2H 41M 28S. Best of luck, friend. Go, Mara, Go!

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    1. My back end is floating more or less anyway, so I doubt it will make much difference!

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  10. Mara! Oh my word! Bravo way to go and good luck. What an amazing journey you have had!
    Hugs
    Cecilia and Madi

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  11. Totaal geen idee wat jouw eindtijd wordt Mara, 2:57,45. Ik wens je heel veel succes.

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  12. I have no idea ! Sport had never been my cup of tea ! I am already exhausted after reading your post and everything you intend to do !

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  13. Ik denk dat je er 2 uur en 55 minuten over zal gaan doen.

    Je vader

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  14. 2 hrs and 58 mins. Good luck sis, you will do well.
    Boes

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  15. My guess is 3 hrs 5 min...because of the clothes!

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  16. You worked so hard and I am so proud of you :)

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Any weighty (and not so weighty) comments are welcome!